Retrofit hurricane and earthquake protection

ABSTRACT

Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

BACKGROUND-CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a Divisional of Ser. No. 09/131,871, which isa CIP of U.S. Ser. No. 08/578,081 which is a CIP of Ser. No. 08/191,852,both of which are abandoned.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] This invention relates to innovative connectors and fastenersthat make buildings stronger, and helps protect them from earthquakes,hurricanes, tornadoes, and strong winds.

[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0005] Recent studies of earthquake damage on wood-frame buildingsindicate that the outside wall sheathing is the most importantstructural member in preventing destruction to a home. Sheathing that istightly secured to a house, stiffens the vertical components againstdamaging deformations.

[0006] The initial failure location on buildings during hurricanes is atthe roof to wall connection, or at the wall to floor connection. Thisinvention uses the outside wall sheathing to help tie the roof and floorto the walls, and stiffens the wall to distribute wind loads to the roofframing and end walls.

[0007] Failure and loss of the roof sheathing is common duringhurricanes, mainly because of inadequate fastening of the roof sheathingto the underlying structural members. The roof system provides stabilityto a house by supporting the tops of exterior and interior load-bearingwalls.

[0008] Sheet metal joints perform better than nailed joints in highwinds and during seismic activity. Strong connectors, secured by sturdyfasteners, will insure that the major structural members of a house aresecurely tied together. Rigid outside sheathing, securely fastened tothe walls, strengthens the link between the horizontal and verticalcomponents of a structure.

Earthquakes

[0009] Earthquake studies of a single-family building showed thatfailure was mainly due to the improper connection of wall studs to soleplates; the failures were attributed to nail withdrawal from the framing(Goers, 1976).

[0010] Tests of wall studs to sole plate connections showed that thestuds were uplifted from the sole plate, and the nails which connectedthe bottom of the plywood sheathing to the sill were punched out of thesheathing (Kamiya et al., 1981).

[0011] The outside sheathing allows the naturally flexible wood wallstuds to deform just enough to absorb the earthquake forces withoutcracking. When the outside sheathing is secured tightly to the studs,top plate, rafter, and sole plate, without becoming disconnected, itincreases their load-bearing strength.

[0012] Steel connectors, between different components of a wood-framebuildings superstructure, provide continuity so that the building willmove as a unit in response to seismic activity (Yanev, 1974). Outsidesheathing helps transfer earthquake forces to the ground while greatlystrengthening the resistance to lateral seismic motions (Yanev, 1974).

Hurricanes

[0013] In 1974, wind-study testing of a full-scale house showed that theinitial failure location was at the roof to wall connection, or at thewall to floor connection (Tuomi and McCutcheon, 1974). The stiffness ofthe wall influences the distribution of wind loads to the roof framingand end walls (Polensek, 1976).

[0014] In 1990, tests were done on (prior art) rafter/top plateconnectors (hurricane clips) that are installed on a house duringconstruction; it was found that hurricane clips are sometimes three tofive times stronger than conventional toe-nailing under uplift loads(Canfield, 1990). Retrofit of prior art hurricane clips is difficult orimpossible on existing houses.

[0015] Studies of damage from Hurricanes Andrew and Iniki show that mostof the wind damage to a gable end of a home was from the difference inpressure inside and outside the home. Almost all pictures of damagedwood or masonry buildings show the gable end blown away from thebuilding. (FEMA reports FIA-22, FIA-23) Pictures never show the gableend blown into the building. This is due to the Bernoulli Effects, wherethe pressure differential between wind blowing around and over abuilding, and high pressure air inside, blows out a wall or roof.

[0016] An airplane rises due to the pressure differential of faster airmoving over a wing, compared to the high pressure of slower moving airunder a wing. So too does the side walls blow out of a house due to theBernoulli effects of wind blowing perpendicular to the wall. Gable endsblow out of a house, because of higher pressure in the house compared tothe extremely low pressure on the leeward edge of the wind direction.

[0017] Once the side wall or gable end of a house is blown out, therigidity of the roof and entire house is compromised due to wind gettinginto the house. Driven rain, along with the wind can damage everythingin the house, along with damaging the structural integrity of the roofand walls of the house.

[0018] Loss of the roof sheathing was consistently observed afterHurricane Iniki and Hurricane Andrew. The primary cause of sheathingdamage was inadequate nailing into the underlying structural members ofthe roof. There was evidence of missing, corroded, misapplied, and toofew nails or staples attaching the roof sheathing to the rafters,purlins, or trusses.

Outside Sheathing

[0019] If an earth tremor is strong, the nails holding the outside wallsheathing may be inadequate in size or quantity. Many nails are driveninto the edge of the sheathing where the wood can split and loseconnection with the underlying studs.

[0020] If the outside sheathing detaches from the wall studs, the wallscannot transfer lateral forces or transverse loads and the building canrack and collapse. When the outside sheathing is sufficiently attachedto the structural framing, the sheathing and structural framing functiontogether.

[0021] A sturdy wall system absorbs, resists, and transfers forcesimposed by wind and earth movements. Improperly secured sheathing maynot function effectively in resisting transverse loads and lateralforces.

[0022] Previously, framers did not understand the structural importanceof outside wall sheathing. Improper nail size, length, or type, alongwith an improper fastening schedule, could jeopardize the anchoringability of the outside sheathing. Plywood can still be applied withpower-driven staples.

[0023] Many times, the exterior sheathing is applied to the wall when itis constructed on the ground, then raised in place. This helps keep thewall from racking when raised, but is heavier to lift and may be weakerthan sheathing applied to a wall in place.

[0024] Part of my co-pending application, Ser. No. 08/191,852, filed onFeb. 2, 1994, ties the rafter to the outside sheathing and underlyingtop plate. This is one of the weakest failure points on a house during ahurricane This continuation-in-part application has unique connectors totie together major structural members of a house using the importantoutside sheathing. These major structural members include the gable endrafter and joist, the sole plate and walls, and the corner post, rafter,and top plate. These unique connectors are held to the outsidesheathing, and underlying or exposed structural members using uniquefasteners, or nails, screws, and bolts.

Roof sheathing

[0025] The stability of the walls is dependent on the roof for toplateral support. The roof sheathing can be composed of boards orplywood. It ties the rafters and roof trusses together, and prevents theroof from racking. The roof sheathing may have been applied carelesslyin the past, as it was felt that the weight of the roof cladding wouldkeep the roof on tight.

[0026] Previously, framers did not understand the structural importanceof roof sheathing. Improper nail size, length, or type, along with animproper fastening schedule, could jeopardize the anchoring ability ofthe roof sheathing. Plywood may be applied with power-driven staples. Inhumid or salt-air climate, the nails or staples can corrode and loseholding power.

Prior Art

[0027] A number of connectors have been developed to tie together theroof rafter and the top plate, or wall stud and sole plate. Previousconnectors were made to be used during construction of the structure andcovered by the outside sheathing.

[0028] These connectors cannot be retrofitted to existing structureswithout extensive dismantling or damage to the inside wall board oroutside sheathing. Without dismantling the walls, a homeowner can't tellif hurricane clips are correctly fastened to their house. Older homesusually don't have hurricane clips or any type of sheet metal connectorsinstalled on their house to prevent racking, or movement betweenstructural members.

[0029] Prior tie connectors are also limited to the number of roofingand structural members that can be tied together. Since prior connectorsare made for installation on the frame-work of a building, they cannottie the outside sheathing to a building. All previous connectors weredesigned to be covered over by the outside sheathing. Since they do nottie the outside sheathing to the underlying structural members of thehouse, they cannot prevent the house from racking in an earthquake orwind storm.

[0030] The roof lock in U.S. Pat. No. 1,452,599 to Hames, March 1922,and the dock bracket in U.S. Pat. No. D.290,223 to Westerheim, June 1987did not tie the rafter to the top plate and outside sheathing. Thehurricane tie in U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,372, December 1987, and snuggingconnector in U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,985, January 1990, both to Commins, cantie the rafter to the top plate in the skeleton structural framework ofnew construction. They can not be used as a retrofit on existing houses;they did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; they did notgo around the frieze board; they did not tie into a stud or top platedirectly underneath a rafter; and they did not tie together two 2×4's ofthe top plate.

[0031] The bearing connector in U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,646, May 1992, toColonias et al. is used to carry roof loads, but can tie together arafter, top plate, and two 2×4's of the top plate together in theskeleton structural framework of new construction. This connector cannot be used as a retrofit on existing houses; it did not tie thesheathing to the top plate and rafter; it did not go around the friezeboard; and it did not tie into a stud or top plate directly underneath arafter.

[0032] The building construction ties in U.S. Pat. No. 2,300,113, toFaber, October 1942, can tie the rafter to the joist and wall stud inthe skeleton structural framework of new construction. They can not beused as retrofit on existing houses; they did not tie the sheathing tothe top plate and rafter; they did not tie the rafter and top platetogether or go around the frieze board; and they did not tie togethertwo 2×4's of the top plate.

[0033] The free gusset metal ledger hanger in U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,664,to Gilb, October 1982, is used to provide ledger support around theinside perimeter of buildings or at internal concrete or masonry walls.This connector can not be used as a retrofit on the outside of existinghouses; it did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; it didnot tie together a rafter and top plate; it did not go around the friezeboard; it did not tie into a stud or top plate directly underneath arafter; and it did not tie together two 2×4's of the top plate.

[0034] The wall tie in United Kingdom patent 2,096,664, to Durrant,October 1982, is used to strengthen mortar joints in brick walls. Thisconnector can not be used as a retrofit on the outside of existing woodhouses; it did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; it didnot tie together a rafter and top plate; it did not go around the friezeboard; it did not tie into a stud or top plate directly underneath arafter; and it did not tie together two 2×4's of the top plate.

[0035] The connecting plate for wood members in Germany patent 238,822,to Sauer, March 1986, is used to connect planks, boards, or strips,using bending slots and nail holes. This connector, by its large bendingslots, is a weak connector. Bending this connector weakens the metal,especially since most carpenters would hammer the connection to make itfit on planks and boards. This connector is useful for attachingtogether boards that intersect at odd angles, not equal to 90 or 45degrees. This connector may be used as a retrofit on existing houses,but was intended for attaching beams and planks in the skeletonstructural framework of new construction. It did not tie the sheathingto the top plate and rafter or go around the frieze board; it did nottie into a stud or top plate directly under a rafter; and it did not tietogether two 2×4's of the top plate.

[0036] The metal connectors in Switzerland patent 214,358, April 1941are used to connect wood and metal members together. The connectors cantie I-beams, angle iron, and wood boards to metal frames in skeletonstructural framework of new construction. They can not be used asretrofit on existing houses; they did not tie the sheathing to the topplate and rafter; they did not tie the rafter and top plate together;they did not go around the frieze board or tie into a stud or top platedirectly under a rafter; and they did not tie together two 2×4's of thetop plate.

[0037] The apparatus and method for securing a building during highwinds in U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,986 to Winger, June 1994, is used to secureseveral of the roof rafters to the ground by cables and anchors. Thissystem is employed only when high winds are expected, as the cables mustbe extended and attached to the ground anchor manually. In apost-and-beam constructed house where the inside rafters are exposed,the cables and attaching hardware are exposed to view. Cables can kink,stretch, rust in place, and break. This system did not tie down the roofsheathing or roof shingles. This system will not work if the homeowneris not home to secure the anchoring cables. It cannot work in areaswhere tornadoes can occur without warning, especially if the home owneris sleeping or is seeking shelter in the basement or interior room. Thesystem requires extensive and expensive carpentry work and expensivehardware.

[0038] The house anchor in U.S. Pat. No. 1,864,403, to Bradley, June1932, uses cables and ground anchors to secure the roof to the ground.It did not tie together the rafter and ridge plate or tie them straightdown to the ground; since the rafter and ridge plate are not securedtogether and tied to the ground on the gable end of the house, the houseis vulnerable to winds on the side of the house that can push or pulland separate the gable end of the rafter plate to ridge plateconnection. Cables can stretch and break. Parts of the house anchorinclude eye-bolts and cable guides which can pull out from wood whensubjected to perpendicular pulling forces as from strong winds.

[0039] The exterior anchoring apparatus for surface sheets in U.S. Pat.No. 1,864,403, to Bradley, March 1967, uses metal rods and clamps tosecure exterior sheathing to a roof. This system cannot be retrofit toan existing roof. It did not tie the sheathing securely to the rafterand ridge board.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0040] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention arethat it helps hold the gable and hip ends of a building from being blownin or out by hurricanes, tornadoes, and wind storms.

[0041] This invention helps prevent the outside sheathing of the gableand hip ends on existing buildings from detaching during an earthquake.It also allows some deflection in the joint without separating. Theinvention tightly holds the outside sheathing to the roof rafter, topplate, joist, and wall stud using unique, but simple and economicalconnectors and fasteners.

[0042] Objects of this invention are that it easily, quickly, andeconomically protects buildings from the destructive effects ofearthquakes. It is a further object of this invention that it easily,quickly, and economically protects houses from the destructive winds ofhurricanes. It is a still further object that the connectors andfasteners are strong, attractive, permanent, functional, uncomplicated,simple to manufacture, easy to install, and economical. Many of theembodiments can be made from a single sheet metal blank, without anywelding.

[0043] Another objective is for the rafters or roof trusses to besecured together and locked to the wall and roof sheathing. Theinvention can be used as an accurate spacer for trusses and for atticventilation. This invention can be used during construction and can beretrofit onto existing homes.

[0044] The installation procedure is simple so that a handy homeownercan install the connectors and fastener hardware. Except for expensive,custom-built homes, most homeowners had no input or knowledge on howstrong their houses are built. Now homeowners can retrofit their homesby themselves or with a hired contractor. Installation of this inventionwill make a house more resistant to strong winds and seismic activity.

[0045] Since the invention is mostly on the outside of a house, it isunadorned, but can be covered with the homeowners choice of wood trim,veneer, gingerbread, other architectural facades, or can Just be paintedto match or contrast with the house.

[0046] Previous disasters showed that many nailed connections ondestroyed or damaged homes were undersize, mis-installed, or completelymissing. By being installed on the outside of a house, an inspector,homeowner, or insurance agent can see if there are any missingconnectors and fasteners. Since the bushings are made of the correctsize and material, no undersize or wrong material fasteners can beinstalled.

[0047] Masonry houses don't fare well during an earthquake because thehouse can't flex, it usually snaps instead. This invention allows thesheathing connection on a house to deflect or flex by using a bushingand bearing surface for low friction.

[0048] The outside sheathing is one of the most important structuralmembers when a house is under stress of hurricane-force winds or seismicactivity. This invention helps prevent the wood of the outside sheathingfrom splitting. It also holds the outside sheathing securely to theunderlying structural members.

[0049] None of the prior art connectors hold on the outside sheathing,because they went on a house before the outside sheathing was installed.None of the previous connectors use a bushing and bearing surface toallow motion, and still hold the sheathing and underlying structuralmembers together.

[0050] There are several embodiments of this invention in order to fiton as many different types of houses as possible. Several embodiments ofthis invention protect most types of wood-frame construction. Numeroushouses, including brick and concrete-block, have the gable endconstructed of wood. Several embodiments of this invention protect mosttypes of masonry houses constructed with wood gables.

[0051] A further object is that this invention can be used on varioussize houses. A still further object is that the embodiments of thisinvention are retro-fit onto new and old homes made of wood or masonry.There may be insurance discounts for homeowners who have this inventioninstalled.

[0052] These and other objectives of the invention are achieved by asystem of simple and economical connectors and fasteners that allow ahomeowner or contractor to quickly and easily protect the weakest partsof a building against earth tremors and high winds.

[0053] Advantages of each will be discussed in the description. Furtherobjects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from aconsideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054]FIG. 1A is a front view of a seismic clip.

[0055]FIG. 1B is a side view of a seismic clip.

[0056]FIG. 1C is a flat-pattern layout of a left-hand seismic clip.

[0057]FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a left-hand seismic clip for thecorner of a house.

[0058]FIG. 1E is a flat-pattern layout of a left-hand seismic clip forthe corner of a house.

[0059]FIG. 1F is a perspective view of a right-hand seismic clip for thecorner of a house.

[0060]FIG. 1G is a flat-pattern layout of a right-hand seismic clip forthe corner of a house.

[0061]FIG. 1H is a rear perspective view of a right-hand seismic clip,for the corner of a house.

[0062]FIG. 1I is a perspective view of the bottom webs on a seismicclip.

[0063]FIG. 1J is a magnified cross-section view of the embossments.

[0064]FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a christmas tree bushing.

[0065]FIG. 2B is a bottom view of a christmas tree bushing.

[0066]FIG. 2C is a side view of a Christmas tree bushing.

[0067]FIG. 2D is a side view of barbed leaders.

[0068]FIG. 2E is a top view of barbed leaders.

[0069]FIG. 2F is a front view of the oblong screw hole.

[0070]FIG. 2G is a cross-section of screws inserted through a Christmasbushing into wall framing.

[0071]FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a spiral bushing.

[0072]FIG. 3B is a side view of a spiral bushing.

[0073]FIG. 3C is a bottom view of a spiral bushing.

[0074]FIG. 3D is a side view of a hold down screw.

[0075]FIG. 3E is a side view of centering guide pin.

[0076]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a physical bushing.

[0077]FIG. 4B is a perspective rear view of a physical bushing.

[0078]FIG. 4C is a cross-section through a physical bushing.

[0079]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a tapered wedge bushing.

[0080]FIG. 5B is a cross section view of a tapered wedge bushing.

[0081]FIG. 6A is a side view of a heavy-duty bushing.

[0082]FIG. 6B is a front view of a heavy-duty bushing.

[0083]FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a heavy-duty clamp.

[0084]FIG. 6D is a front view of a heavy-duty clamp, seismic clip, andheavy-duty bushing.

[0085]FIG. 7 is a front view of a tomahawk connector.

[0086]FIG. 8A is a is a perspective view of a tee retainer.

[0087]FIG. 8B is a front view of a tee retainer.

[0088]FIG. 9A is a front view of a mickey connector.

[0089]FIG. 9B is a side view of a mickey connector.

[0090]FIG. 10A is a front view of a banana clip.

[0091]FIG. 10B is the back view of a banana clip.

[0092]FIG. 10C is a magnified view of banana clip teeth.

[0093]FIG. 10CA is a perspective view of a tooth.

[0094]FIG. 10D is a front view of another embodiment of a banana clip.

[0095]FIG. 10DA is a cross section view of a banana clip.

[0096]FIG. 10DB is a top view of teeth.

[0097]FIG. 10DC is a bottom view of teeth.

[0098]FIG. 10DD is a side view of teeth.

[0099]FIG. 10DE is a cross section through teeth.

[0100]FIG. 10E is a back view of another embodiment of a banana clip.

[0101]FIG. 10EA is a side view of teeth.

[0102]FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a corner clip.

[0103]FIG. 11B is a flat-pattern layout of a corner clip.

[0104]FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a gable connector and roofplate.

[0105]FIG. 12B is flat-pattern layout of a gable connector.

[0106]FIG. 12C is a top view of a roof plate.

[0107]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a facia board connector.

[0108]FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a frieze board connector andfacia board connector installed on a rafter.

[0109]FIG. 14B is a perspective view of a frieze board connector

[0110]FIG. 14C is a flat-pattern layout of a metal frieze board.

[0111]FIG. 15A is a ridge plate installed between roof trusses.

[0112]FIG. 15B is a flat-pattern layout for a ridge plate.

[0113]FIG. 16A is a truss support installed on the top chord.

[0114]FIG. 16B is a flat-pattern layout for a truss support.

[0115]FIG. 17A is a front view of a banana clip with rasp holes.

[0116]FIG. 17B is a back view of a banana clip with rasp holes.

[0117]FIG. 17C is a top view of rasp holes.

[0118]FIG. 17D is a front view of rasp holes.

[0119]FIG. 18A is an angle iron and pipe for solar hot water.

[0120]FIG. 18B is a side view of a glass cover tube.

[0121]FIG. 18C is a perspective view of a glass hold down.

[0122]FIG. 18D shows the glass cover focal point.

[0123]FIG. 18E is a perspective view of a solar tube.

[0124]FIG. 18EA is a cross section of an eye.

[0125]FIG. 18F is a perspective view of an angle iron hold down.

[0126]FIG. 18G is a perspective view of a tapered washer.

[0127]FIG. 18GA is a cross section through a tapered washer.

[0128]FIG. 18H is a side view of a ball, washer, and nut.

[0129]FIG. 19A is a flat-pattern layout for a roof anchor.

[0130]FIG. 19B is a front view of a roof anchor.

[0131]FIG. 19C is a front view of a roof anchor without serrations.

[0132]FIG. 19D is a perspective view of a one-piece roof anchor.

[0133]FIG. 20A is a flat pattern layout for a gable span, roof plate,and roof overlay.

[0134]FIG. 20B is a perspective view of a gable span and roof plateattached to a house.

[0135]FIG. 20C is a perspective view of a gable span and roof plate.

[0136]FIG. 21A is a ridge plate with a bend line.

[0137]FIG. 21B is a perspective view of a latch mechanism.

[0138]FIG. 21C is a flat-pattern layout of a latch mechanism.

[0139]FIG. 21D is a perspective view of a latch mechanism from below.

[0140]FIG. 21E is a side view of latch mechanism prior to attachment.

[0141]FIG. 21F is a side view of latch mechanism at obtuse angle.

[0142]FIG. 21G is a side view of latch mechanism locked .

[0143]FIG. 22 is a flat pattern layout for a center gable plate.

[0144]FIG. 22A is a front view of a center gable plate attached to ahouse.

[0145]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of seismic clips and a metal faciaplate attached to a house.

[0146]FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a house showing preferredlocations for previous connectors.

[0147]FIG. 23B is a perspective view of a house showing more preferredlocations for previous connectors.

[0148] Reference Numerals in Drawings 1 Seismic clip 1A Corner seismicclip 2 Bottom web 3A Sharp flange 3B Smooth lip 4 Embossment hole SExtended head 6 Christmas tree bushing 7 Bearing surface 8A Cap 8B Outerradius 9 Screw 9A Centering guide pin 10 Screw hole 11 Barbed leaders 12Spiral bushing 13 Gyre 13A Chisel face 14 Hex drive 15 Physical bushing16 Tapered wedge bushing 17 Heavy duty bushing 18 Cylinder 18A Hole 18BExpansion slot 18C Excess hole 19A Top wedge 19B Bottom wedge 19C Uppertruncated surface 19D Lower truncated surface 20A Bolt 20B Back 20CThreaded hole 21 Heavy-duty clamp 22 Tee connector 23 Banana clip 24Mickey connector 25 Tomahawk retainer 25A Upper web 25B Bottom web 26Embossment holes 27A Outside edge 27B Top edge 28A Crown web 28B Rootweb 28C Exterior edge 28D Summit edge 28E Trigger web 28F Rafter web 29AZenith edge 29B Foot edge 30 Teeth 31A Pinnacle web 31B Tuber web 32ARight-angle bend 32B Dog leg 33 Corner clip 33A Slope 33B Muffle edge 34Gable connector 34A Prime web 34B Rump web 35 Bolt slots 36 Roof plate36A Roof overlay 36B Rubber pad 37 Carriage bolt boles 37A Carriage bolt37B Nut 38 Metal facia board 38A Main slat 38B Roof tab 39 Strengtheningribs 40 Tabs 41 Nail holes 42 Metal frieze plate 42A Major slat 42BVentilation rib 42C Top plate tab 43 Bridge 44A Right wing 44B Left wing45 Slots 46 Ridge plate 47 Rafter tabs 47A Cutouts 47B Bend line 48Truss support 48A Truss tab 49 Truss brace 49A Opening 50 Rasp holes 50ACrown 50B Chisel wedge 51 Pipe 52 Angle-iron member 52A Angle iron holddown 53 Glass cover tube 53A Glass hold down 54 Solar tube 54A Bolt hole54B Eye slot 54C Cornea 54D Contact 54E Tapered washer 54F Ball 54GWasher 54H Nut 55 Roof anchor 55A Beam member 55B Roof member 56A Cutline 56B Ridge tab 57 Curved plate 57A Serrations 57B Bolt hole 57C Flatplate 57D Lip hole 58 Roof tab 59 Gable span 59A Inner radius 59B Curve59C Outer radius 60A Roof link 60B Gable link 61 Latch mechanism 62Center gable plate 62A Eave plat 63 Nail holes

[0149] Description and Operation

FIG. 1A

[0150]FIG. 1A shows a front view of a right-hand seismic clip 1 forwood-frame constructed homes. The upper part of the seismic clip 1 isattached to a house rafter. The bottom part is attached to the outsidesheathing and underlying top plate by a right-angle bend and a radiusthat clears the frieze boards.

FIG. 1B

[0151]FIG. 1B shows a side view of a seismic clip. The upper part ofthis invention is discussed in previous patent application Ser. No.08/191,852 on Feb. 2, 1994 by Thompson. The improvement discussed inthis continuation-in-part is for the bottom web 2 of the clip andrelated embodiments.

[0152] Earthquake research has shown that the outside sheathing is oneof the most important structures holding together a wood-framedbuilding. The sheathing prevents the building from racking as long asthe nails keep the sheathing tight to the walls.

[0153] Earth movements and hurricane-force winds can drive nails out ofthe sheathing, and the building will collapse if the sheathing fallsoff. The bottom part of the seismic clip 1 contains improvements thatresist damaging effects from earth movements. FIG. 1A shows theapproximate location of embossment holes 4 that are improvements overprevious inventions.

FIG. 1C

[0154]FIG. 1C shows a flat pattern layout of a seismic clip 1. It is aleft-hand one; a right-hand seismic clip 1 would be a mirror image withthe right angle bend in the opposite direction.

FIG. 1D

[0155]FIG. 1D shows a perspective view of a left-hand corner seismicclip 1A. Double right angle bends allow this clip to clear outsidesheathing and can be installed on the corner of a house.

[0156]FIG. 1E from this side and the outer radius 8B of a bushing 6, orwasher from a lag bolt would ride on this raised lip.

[0157] The embossing process puts a smooth lip 3B on the outside and aslightly raised sharp flange 3A on the back part of the bottom web 2.The sharp edge of the flange 3A cuts into the outside sheathing when afastener is installed, forming a tight connection.

[0158] This embossing process means less material is cut away from theembossment hole 4. It also produces more surface area at the sharpflange 3A for cutting into the sheathing on the left-hand side. Theembossing process adds material around the smooth lip 3B of theembossment hole 4 and cuts friction between the smooth lip 3B and outerradius 8B of the bushings 6.

[0159] Lag bolts with washers could be used in the embossment holes 4,as the washer would bear on the smooth lip 3B, but the followingembodiments of bushings would be improvements.

[0160] Installing the seismic clip 1 on a house will tie the outsidesheathing to the rafter, top plate, and wall stud. This will help make ahouse more resistant to earth movements and strong winds.

[0161] The seismic clip 1 can be made from many materials, such asmetal, plastic, ceramic, or combination of materials. The clip can becast, forged, molded, or injected, but stamped sheet metal is preferableas the quickest and most economical method for the process of making theclip and embossment holes 4 at the time of manufacture. Standard methodsof tool and die manufacture can be used to stamp out and make theseismic clip 1 and form the embossment holes 4.

FIG. 2A

[0162]FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a christmas tree bushing 6 foruse on wood-frame houses. The bushing is inserted through embossmentholes 4 and forced into the outside sheathing and underlying wall studs.The radius of the bushing is slightly smaller than the embossment holes4 in order to fit easily. When inserted through an embossment hole 4,into the outside sheathing and underlying structural members, the barbedleaders 11 grip into the wood and will not dislodge during earthquakesor hurricanes.

[0163] The cap 8A of the Christmas tree bushing 6 is shaped like theprimer end of a bullet cartridge, except the outer radius 8B of the cap8A extends beyond the edge and the primer is a screw hole 10. The cap 8Aallows different tools, such as a hammer, to force the bushing into thewall.

[0164] A screw 9 fits into the screw hole 10 after the Christmas treebushing is inserted and forced into the outside sheathing and underlyingstructural members. Screwing and tightening the screw 9 further expandsthe wood against the barbed leaders 11 forming a very tight connectionagainst detaching forces.

FIG. 2B

[0165]FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of a Christmas tree bushing 6. Thebarbed leaders 11 are show as they would be inserted through theembossment holes 4 and driven into the outside sheathing. The cap 8Aincludes the outer radius 8B. Underneath the outer radius 8B of the cap8A is a bearing surface 7 that rides against the smooth lip 3A of theembossment holes 4 on the seismic clip 1. The screw 9, that is attachedinto the screw hole 10, has a relative thin shank with relatively thickthread that helps hold the bushing so it doesn't twist or pull out.

FIG. 2C

[0166]FIG. 2C shows a side view of a Christmas tree bushing 6. Thebottom part of the outer radius 8A contains the bearing surface 7 alongthe outside of the bushing. The barbed leaders 11 are shown around aninside diameter inside of the bearing surface 7 and attached to thebottom of the cap 8A. The screw hole 10 is generally offset from thecenter of the cap 8A.

[0167] The Christmas tree bushing can be made from several materialsincluding metal, plastic, ceramic, or combination of materials. Thebushing can be molded, machined, cast, forged, or injected, but ispreferably stamped from sheet metal using standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 2D

[0168]FIG. 2D shows a side view of the barbed leaders 11.

FIG. 2E

[0169]FIG. 2E shows a top view of the barbed leaders 11.

FIG. 2F

[0170]FIG. 2F shows the oblong shape of screw hole 10.

FIG. 2G

[0171]FIG. 2G shows in cross-section how screws 9 inserted through theoblong screw hole 10 can have preferred angles up into the top plate ordown into the wall stud.

FIG. 3A

[0172]FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a spiral bushing 12 for use onwood-frame houses. The cap 8A has an outer radius 8B similar in size andfunction to the Christmas tree bushing 6. In the approximate middle ofthe top of the cap is an attached hexagonal-shaped hex cap 14 similar insize and shape to the head of a common bolt. In the center is a screwhole 10.

[0173] The hex cap 14 can be turned by a wrench, but the preferredmethod of rotation is by a impact socket wrench. The wrench can also bea standard SAE or metric ratchet or air gun wrench. When the spiralbushing is inserted into embossment hole 4, turning the hex capclockwise, and pushing in, will drive the gyre 13 into the wood of theoutside sheathing and underlying structural members of the house.

[0174] The gyre 13 is shaped like a spiral with sharp ends, so thatturning the hex cap 14 clockwise will drive the gyre 13 into the woodlike a screw. The gyre 13 is superior to a screw because the sharpchisel face 13A of the spiral-shaped gyre cuts into the wood likechisels and wraps around the wood fibers, instead of cutting and pushingapart wood fibers as a screw would do.

[0175] The center of the hex cap 14 contains a screw hole 10. A screw 9fits into the screw hole 10 after the spiral bushing is inserted intothe outside sheathing. Tightening the screw 9 expands the wood againstthe gyre 13 forming a tight connection.

FIG. 3B

[0176]FIG. 3B shows a side view of a spiral bushing 12. The hex cap 14and screw 9 is shown at the top of the cap 8A, and the bearing surface 7is shown on the underside of the outer radius 8B. The gyre 13 are shownwith their spiral shape and sharp chisel face 13A edges at the bottom.

FIG. 3C

[0177]FIG. 3C shows a bottom view of a spiral bushing 12. The spiraledges of the gyre 13 are seen from the bottom of the sharp chisel faces13A. This shows how the sharp chisel faces 13A cleave and wrap aroundthe wood fibers, when spun in a clockwise direction. The underside ofthe cap 8A, and the bearing surface 7 is shown on the underside of theouter radius 8B. The screw 9 extends through the screw hole 10 helpingthe bushing fasten against the outer sheathing and underlying structuralmembers, by helping spread the wood fibers tightly against the gyre 13.

FIG. 3D

[0178]FIG. 3D shows a side view of a hold-down screw 9 with large head.

FIG. 3E

[0179]FIG. 3E shows a centering guide pin 9A, with alien head, whichguides the spiral bushing through embossment holes 4. The allen headallows the centering guide pin 9A to be withdrawn after the spiralbushing is started, then a hold-down screw 9 can be installed in itsplace.

[0180] The spiral bushing can be made from several materials includingmetal, plastic, ceramic, or combination of materials. The bushing can bemolded, machined, cast, forged, or injected, but is preferably stampedand formed from sheet metal using standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 4A

[0181]FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a physical bushing 15 for useon masonry buildings. The cap 8A is similar to the Christmas tree andspiral bushings except the top is bare. The outer radius 8B contains abearing surface 7 on its underside for riding against the smooth lip 3Bof an embossment hole 26 on a tomahawk clip 25, or other connector withembossments.

[0182] The top part of a tomahawk clip 25 is held in place against arafter and the position of the embossment holes 26 are marked on theconcrete-block or bricks. A carbide-tipped drill bit, used for drillingcore holes in rock, and with a diameter of its sleeve similar to thediameter of the cylinder 18, is used to drill at the marked spots, intothe masonry a distance approximately equal to the length of the cylinder18.

[0183] Instead of a hole, the core drill forms a round sleeve with asimilar diameter as the cylinder 18 of the bushing. When the sleeve isdrilled, the core remains in the hole, still attached at the backside tothe masonry.

[0184] The core of the brick or concrete-block provides additionalsupport and strength, and extra surface area for the cylinder 18, whenepoxy is injected into the drilled sleeve.

FIG. 4B

[0185]FIG. 4B shows a perspective drawing from the bottom end of aphysical bushing. The cylinder 18 has a diameter slightly smaller thanthe embossment hole 26, so it can fit without any interference. Thecylinder has a hole 18A at the bottom with an expansion slot 18B on itsside.

[0186] The expansion slot 18B is triangular shaped and ends part waydown the cylinder 18. The expansion slot 18B allows the end of thecylinder to be slightly flared to the outside. Inserting the cylinder 18into the drilled hole slightly compresses this flared end, holding thecylinder 18 into the drilled hole.

[0187] Standard epoxy is inserted into the drilled sleeve before thephysical bushing 15 is inserted. The expansion slot 18B helps hold thecylinder 18 in position while the epoxy sets and dries. Epoxy issqueezed into the hole 18A, helping form better adhesion. Excess epoxyis squeezed out the excess hole 18C. Once the epoxy dries, the physicalbushing 15 holds the tomahawk clip 25 securely to the wall. The top partof the tomahawk clip is secured to a gable end by wood bushings or lagbolts and washers.

FIG. 4C

[0188]FIG. 4C shows a longitudinal cross-section through a physicalbushing.

[0189] The physical bushing can be made from several materials includingmetal, plastic, ceramic, recycled metal, or combination of materials.The bushing can be molded, machined, cast, forged, or injected, but ispreferably stamped from sheet metal using standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 5A

[0190]FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a tapered wedge bushing 16 foruse on masonry buildings. The cap 8A is similar to the Christmas tree,spiral, and physical bushings except that a bolt 20A is located in ahole in the approximate center of the cap 8A. The bolt can turn freelyand is screwed into a threaded hole 20C in the back 20B of the lowertruncated cylinder. This bushing can be used for masonry buildings,where a core drill is not available, and a common carbide drill bit isavailable with a diameter similar to the diameter of the two truncatedcylinders.

[0191] The tapered wedge bushing 16 is inserted through embossment holes26 of a tomahawk clip 25 and into a drilled hole in the masonry, using acommon carbide drill bit with a diameter similar to the diameter of thecylindrical end of the bushing.

[0192] The cylindrical end that is inserted into the drilled holeconsists of two truncated cylinders. The top truncated cylinder has thecap 8A and bolt 20A attached and is referred to as the top wedge 19A.The lower truncated cylinder has the back 20B and is referred to as thelower wedge 19B.

FIG. 5B

[0193]FIG. 5B shows a side view of a tapered wedge bushing 16. On theleft is the cap 8A containing the free-spinning bolt 20A. The outerradius 8B contains the bearing surface 7 that rides against the smoothlip 3B of embossment holes 26.

[0194] Right or below the bearing surface 7 are the truncated cylinders.The upper truncated surface 19C of the upper wedge 19A fits against thelower truncated surface 19D of the lower wedge 19B. This side view showsthat the threaded hole 20C, for the free-spinning bolt 20A, is offsetfrom the center of the back 20B.

[0195] When the bolt 20A is turned clockwise, it screws deeper into thethreaded hole 20C in the back 20B, pulling the bottom wedge 19B close tothe top wedge 19A. Once the upper truncated surface 19C contacts thelower truncated surface 19D, they slide against each other.

[0196] In this view, the bottom wedge 19B would be forced up and the topwedge 19A would be forced down. Further tightening of the bolt 20Aforces the bottom wedge 19B and the top wedge 19A against the walls ofthe drilled hole. This secures the tapered wedge bushing 16 and tomahawksecurely to the masonry of the house. Standard epoxy can be used in thehole to provide extra holding power, as the bushing would be tightagainst the hole as the epoxy hardens.

[0197] The tapered wedge bushing 16 can be made from several materialsincluding metal, plastic, ceramic, recycled metal, or combination ofmaterials. The bushing can be molded, machined, cast, forged, orinjected, but the top wedge 19A is preferably stamped from sheet metalusing standard tool and die methods, and the lower wedge 19B ispreferably cast metal.

FIG. 6A

[0198] Post-and-beam houses are common in the tropics because they arevery open and airy. Roof loads are transferred to heavy beams and postsmade of thick timbers. In order to secure the corner of the house, oneof the weakest parts of a house during a hurricane, and a focal point ofstress during seismic activity, a heavy-duty clamp 21 and heavy-dutybushing 17 should be used to hold down a seismic clip.

[0199]FIG. 6A shows a side view of a heavy-duty bushing 17, which isbasically a Christmas tree bushing with an extended head 5 and longerscrew 9. The barbed leaders 11 are similar to those on a Christmas treebushing 6, but the cap 8A is missing, and replaced with an extended head5. The outer radius 8B and bearing surface 7 are in the same generallocation as on a Christmas tree bushing 6. The screw 9 is longer thanone on a Christmas tree bushing 6 because the heavy-duty bushing 17 islonger.

FIG. 6B

[0200]FIG. 6B shows a front view of a heavy-duty bushing 17 with screwhole 10, outer radius 8B, and extended head 5.

[0201] The bushing is inserted into embossment holes just as the otherbushings are utilized. The outer radius 8B and underlying bearingsurface 7 contact the embossment hole 4 of the seismic clip 1, but theextended head 5 of the heavy-duty bushing 17 is utilized in combinationwith a seismic clip 1 and heavy-duty clamp 21. The heavy-duty bushing 17fastens a seismic clip 1 to a rafter, outside sheathing, and underlyingstructural members by being forced into the sheathing and screwed tight.A heavy-duty clamp 21 is then put over the seismic clip 1 and extendedhead 5 of the heavy-duty bushing 17.

FIG. 6C

[0202]FIG. 6C shows a perspective view of a heavy-duty clamp 21 fortimber-framed houses. One of the most important problem solvingsolutions of the heavy-duty clamp 21 is in securely tieing the outsidesheathing to the numerous underlying structural members of the house.

[0203] The heavy-duty clamp 21 has a bridge 43 in the center with a leftwing 44B and right wing 44A attached at short, right-angle bends 32A.Both wings 44A and 44B contain nail holes 41. The bridge 43 contains ahole 18A.

FIG. 6D

[0204]FIG. 6D shows the heavy-duty clamp 21 installed over a seismicclip 1, which is held down by a heavy-duty bushing 17. The center bridge43 has a height and width that is formed by the short, right-angle bends32A. The height and width of the bridge 43 allows the heavy-duty clamp21 to straddle a seismic clip 1.

[0205] The hole 18A on the bridge 43 is slightly larger than theextended head 5 of the heavy-duty bushing 17. This allows the heavy-dutyclamp 21 to be placed over a seismic clip 1 that has been fastened tooutside sheathing, and also over the extended head 5 of a heavy-dutybushing 17. Then screws or nails are driven through the nail holes 41 ofthe left and right wings 44A and 44B into the outside sheathing and intothe underlying top plate or header beam.

[0206] When a heavy-duty clamp 21 is attached over the seismic clip 1,over a heavy-duty bushing 17, and into the sheathing, it helps make thehouse much more resistant to earthquakes and high winds. Thiscombination also helps prevent double shear.

[0207] The heavy-duty clamp 21 and heavy-duty bushing 17 can be madefrom different materials including metal, plastic, ceramic, orcombination of materials. The preferred method is stamped sheet metalusing standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 7

[0208]FIG. 7 shows a front view of a tomahawk connector 25. Thepreferred use would be installed on a wood-frame house with wood gableand roof. The most important problem-solving solutions of the tomahawkconnector is in securely tieing the outside sheathing to the underlyingstructural members of the house, and keeping the gable end of a rooffrom being blown from a building. The tomahawk connector 25 consists ofa mostly flat plate with a top web 25A and bottom web 25B withembossment holes 26.

[0209] On most wood-frame houses, the gable end is constructed of wood.During hurricanes, the gable end can be blown out of the building due tothe high pressures inside a house compared to the low pressure of windblowing over and around the building. During earthquakes, the gable endcan be shaken out if not securely tied into the roof and other walls.

[0210] The tomahawk connector 25 shown in FIG. 7 is left-handed, andwould be installed as shown on the left-side of a gable wall. Thepreferred type of wood house would be where the rafters were made onsite. The tomahawk connector 25 is installed at the junction of the hipwall, gable sheathing, and roof line. The outside edge 27A of thetomahawk clip 25 is aligned with the outer edge of the building and theupper or top edge 27B is aligned with the roof. Once it is lined up,Christmas tree or spiral bushings are used to fasten the connector tothe house.

[0211] The embossment holes 26 of the upper web 25A are located over theoutside sheathing and the underlying rafter, joist, or top plate,depending on if the building was constructed with rafters or rooftrusses. A lag bolt and washer could be used, but a Christmas treebushing or spiral bushing would be preferred to install the upper web25A to the gable end.

[0212] On many concrete-block and brick houses, the gable end isconstructed of wood. During hurricanes, the gable end can be blown outof the building due to the high pressures inside a house compared to thelow pressure of wind blowing over and around the building. Duringearthquakes, different flexibility properties of wood and masonry makethis area unstable.

[0213] On masonry houses with a wood gable end, the tomahawk connector25 can be used to fasten the gable end to the roof and masonry walls.The tomahawk connector 25 is positioned so the top edge is against theroof and the outer edge is against the outer wall, as for a wood house.The embossment holes 26 are marked and drilled in the bricks forphysical or tapered wedge bushings.

[0214] This alignment puts the embossment holes over the most importantjoints in the corner of a building. The bricks or concrete-blocks fromtwo side walls are usually fastened together by the mason duringconstruction. The embossment holes 26 of the bottom web 25B are locatedover these bricks and a physical bushing 15 or tapered wedge bushing 16can be used to lock the bottom web 25B to the brick wall. Christmas tree6 or spiral 12 bushings would be used to install the upper web 25A ontothe outer sheathing of the gable end, and underlying structural members.

[0215] The right-hand tomahawk clip 25 would be a mirror image, andwould fit on the right side of the gable end. The tomahawk clip 25 canbe made from many materials, but the preferred method is stamped sheetmetal using standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 8A

[0216]FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a tee connector 22 on the gableend of a wood-frame house. If the rafters were crafted on-site, the teeconnector 22 secures the outside sheathing to the rafter, top plate, andwall stud. If the roof were built using trusses, the tee connector 22secures the outside sheathing to the rafter or top chord, bottom chord,and wall stud.

[0217] Many houses have been constructed with pre-manufactured rooftrusses. These roof members are very strong in compression due to thecross bracing and close tolerances in building methods at the factory.Many of these roofs support heavy clay tiles. However, the assembly andbracing at the home site are not well controlled, especially theattachment and bracing methods.

[0218] Many of the trusses are toe-nailed to the top plate and bracingwas minimal or nonexistent. Any bracing was primarily to keep thetrusses from tipping over. The stability of the trusses comes from theroof sheathing. Only a few nails keep the gable end roof truss frombeing blown out during a tornado and hurricane, or from being shaken outduring an earthquake.

[0219] Factory-made trusses are a quick and economical way of makingroofs for houses. They are strong in compressive loads, but they areweak in during wind forces opposing the gable end. The gable ends oftruss roofs are primarily weak against pressure differentials of highpressure in the house compared to low outside pressure duringhurricanes. Earthquakes can cause the gable end sheathing to fall out.

[0220]FIG. 8A is a front view of a tee connector 22. One of the mostimportant problem solving solutions of this embodiment is in securelytieing the outside sheathing to the numerous structural members of thehouse.

[0221] The tee connector 22 consists of a mostly flat metal plate with acrown web 28A, root web 28B, and trigger web 28E. All webs containembossment holes 26 and or nail holes 41. On a house with raftersconstructed on site, the tee connector 22 is installed on the outsidesheathing, at the junction of the underlying rafter, corner stud, andtop plates from two walls.

[0222] The exterior edge 28C of the tee connector 22 is alignedapproximately with the outer edge of the building, and the upper orsummit edge 28D is aligned with the underside of the roof. Once it islined up, spiral or Christmas tree bushings can attach the tee connectorto the gable end, or the locations of the embossment holes 26 can bemarked and drilled for lag bolts.

[0223] This alignment puts the embossment holes over the most importantjoints in the corner of a building. The rafter, corner stud, and topplates from two walls meet at this junction, and the outside sheathingcovers each of these structural members.

[0224] The embossment holes 26 or nailholes 41 along the crown web 28Aline up with the rafter, the embossment holes 26 or nailholes 41 alongthe root web 28B line up with the top plate and wall stud, and theembossment holes 26 or nailholes 41 of the trigger web 28E line up withthe top plate. Right angle bends 32A allow the rafter web 28F to wraparound the corner. Securing the sheathing firmly to each member willmake a house more resistant to hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.

FIG. 8B

[0225]FIG. 8B is a front view of a tee connector. On houses constructedwith roof trusses, the tee connector 22 is installed on the outsidesheathing of a house, at the junction of the underlying rafter or topchord, corner stud, bottom chord, and top plates from two walls. Theexterior edge 28C of the tee connector 22 is aligned approximately withthe outer edge of the building, and the upper or summit edge 28B isaligned approximately with the roof. Spiral or Christmas tree bushings 6or 12, nails, screws or lag bolts can attach the tee connector 22 to thegable end.

[0226] This alignment puts the embossment holes over the most importantjoints in the corner of a roof-truss building. The embossment holes 26along the crown web 28A line up with the rafter or top chord, theembossment holes 26 or nail holes 41 along the root web 28B line up withthe top plate and wall stud, and the embossment holes 26 and nail holes41 of the trigger web 28E line up with the bottom chord and top plate.

[0227] The rafter or top chord, corner stud, ceiling joist and topplates from two walls meet at the gable junction. The outside sheathingcovers each of these structural members, and securing the sheathingfirmly to each member will make a house more resistant to hurricanes,tornadoes, and earthquakes.

[0228] The most important problem solving solutions of this invention isin securely tieing the outside sheathing to the numerous underlyingstructural members of the house, and preventing the gable end fromblowing out.

[0229] The tee connector 22 can be made from many materials, but thepreferred method is stamped sheet metal using standard tool and diemethods.

FIG. 9A

[0230]FIG. 9A is a front view of a mickey connector 24. This connectoris designed for post-and-beam wood houses where the main wall beamextends out beyond the gable end.

[0231] The mickey connector 24 consists of a mostly flat metal platewith two webs, that is preferably made of stamped sheet metal. Thepinnacle web 31A and tuber web 31B contain embossment holes 26, and thetuber web 31B contains a right-angle bend 32A and dog leg 32B.

[0232] The mickey connector 24 is installed on the outside sheathing ofthe gable end of a house, at the junction of the underlying rafter andceiling joist, and the exposed wall beam. The mickey connector 24 isaligned so that the pinnacle web 31A is flush against the roof line, andthe dog leg 32B is against the wall beam sticking out of the house.

[0233] When the mickey connector 24 is aligned like so, and fastenedwith bushings or lag bolts, the pinnacle web 31A and tuber web 31Bfastens the outside sheathing to the underlying rafter and ceiling joistrespectively. The dog leg 32B is fastened to the exposed wall beam. Thisconnection ties the hip wall securely to the gable end and helps preventthe gable end from being blown in or out by strong winds.

[0234] The dog leg 32B connected to the exposed wall beam has itsfasteners connected perpendicular to the wall beam. In a strong windstorm, the fasteners would have to be sheared in order for the gable endto be blown out of a house.

FIG. 9B

[0235]FIG. 9B is a side view of a mickey connector showing the rightangle bend 32A and dog leg 32B. The dog leg 32B is attached to theexposed wall beam through nail holes 63, while the pinnacle web 31A andtuber web 31B attach to the gable end through nail holes 63 and orembossment holes 26. This connector ties the gable end and theunderlying structural members to the hip wall of a house. This keeps thegable end of a house from being blown out or disconnected, and helpstransfer and absorb forces from a hurricane or seismic activity.

FIG. 10A

[0236]FIG. 10A shows a front view of a banana clip 23. This connector isattached to the outside sheathing and underlying structural members ofthe bottom part of a wall. One of the most important problem-solvingsolutions of this embodiment is in securely tieing the outside sheathingto the structural members of the wall and floor, including the wall studand sill plate.

[0237] The banana clip 23 is banana-shaped so that water will run offthe zenith edge 29A and roll off the foot edge 29B. By being long andwide, the surface area prevents the outer sheathing from splitting, andprevents the wall from racking.

[0238] On a stud-wall constructed house, the banana clip 23 is installedon the outside sheathing of a house at the junction where the underlyingwall stud S and sole plate SP are joined together. A stud finder can beused to find and mark the wall stud locations and sole plate on theoutside sheathing. The banana clip is installed so that the mid point ofthe long dimension is over the middle of the wall stud and the endpoints of the long dimension are over the middle of the sole plate.

[0239] This alignment puts the embossment holes 26 over the mostimportant link in stud-wall construction. The wall stud and sole platemeet at this junction, and are usually toe-nailed, which is a weakconnection. Christmas tree 6, spiral bushings 12, nails, or lag boltscan attach the banana clip 23 to the outer sheathing and underlying wallstud S and sole plate SP.

[0240] On some stud-wall, and many post-and-beam constructed houses, thestuds may rest on a sill plate, or the posts may not be attached to asole plate. In this case, the banana clip 26 is installed on the outersheathing, where the post rests on the sill. This would tie the outsidesheathing to the post and sill plate. It would prevent the bottom edgeof the sheathing from splitting, pulling away from the wall, and preventthe wall from racking.

FIG. 10B

[0241]FIG. 10B shows the back view of a banana clip 23. Attached to theback of the banana clip 23 are teeth 30, and the zenith edge 29A thatgrip the outside sheathing. During a hurricane the wall wants to liftand blow out; during an earthquake the wall wants to rack or moveparallel to its length.

[0242] When the back of a banana clip 23 is attached to the outsidesheathing and underlying structural members, the teeth 30 prevent upwardand side to side movement of the outside sheathing because of the shapeof the teeth 30 and the curve of the banana clip 23.

FIG. 10C

[0243]FIG. 10C shows a magnified view of two teeth 30 on the back of abanana clip 23. The teeth 30 are punched from the viewers side so theteeth 30 would angle out the back of the paper and dig into thesheathing. The teeth 30 are angled down and slightly sideways to formrasp holes 50. When these teeth bite into the outside sheathing, theyprevent uplifting or racking motions to a wall.

FIG. 10CA

[0244]FIG. 10CA shows a perspective view of a tooth 30. The rasp hole 50is drawn lightly to show the sharp edge of a tooth 30. These teeth looklike a cheese grater, but they can have other shapes.

FIG. 10D-10DE

[0245]FIG. 10D-10DE shows a side, bottom, and top view of how differentteeth 30 can be punched into a banana clip 23 or other clips that attachonto the outside sheathing, using various common methods of sheet metalforming.

FIG. 10D

[0246]FIG. 10D shows a front view of another embodiment of a banana clip23 with unique teeth 30 formed by different sheet metal forming.

FIG. 10DA

[0247]FIG. 10DA shows a side view of another embodiment of a banana clip23 with teeth 30 formed in a different manor of sheet metal forming. Thefront of the banana clip 23 is to the right, and the zenith edge 29A ison the top. These teeth 30 are on the left and right edge of the bananaclip 23.

FIG. 10DB

[0248]FIG. 10DB shows a top view of teeth 30 from FIG. 10DA formed in adifferent manor of sheet metal forming.

FIG. 10DC

[0249]FIG. 10DC shows a bottom view of teeth 30 from FIG. 10DA formed ina different manor of sheet metal forming.

FIG. 10DD

[0250]FIG. 10DD shows a side view of teeth 30 from FIG. 10DA formed in adifferent manor of sheet metal forming.

FIG. 10DE

[0251]FIG. 10DE shows a side view of another embodiment of teeth 30formed in a different manor of sheet metal forming, without forming raspholes 50. These teeth 30 are the six teeth in the middle of the bananaclip 23 in FIG. 10D. The zenith edge 29A is at the top and the frontside is to the right.

FIG. 10E

[0252]FIG. 10E shows a back view of banana clip 23 with the zenith edge29A at the top, and teeth 30 along the back.

FIG. 10EA

[0253]FIG. 10EA shows a side view of the teeth 30, at the left and rightends of the banana clip 23, bent out.

[0254] By securing the banana clip 23 to the outside sheathing andunderlying wall stud and sole plate, through the embossment holes, theconnection is made secure. Depending on how the house was constructed,the outside sheathing covers the wall studs, sole plate, header, andsill plate. Securing the sheathing firmly to each member will make ahouse more resistant to hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.

[0255] The banana clip can be made of many different materials, but thepreferred method is stamped sheet metal.

FIG. 11A

[0256]FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a corner clip 33. This connectoris attached to the outside sheathing and underlying structural membersat the corner of a wall using embossment holes 26 and nail holes 41. Oneof the most important problem solving solutions of this embodiment is insecurely tieing the outside sheathing to the corner post and structuralmembers of the wall, and tieing the two walls together.

[0257] On some types of houses, the end column or corner post may bemissing from the wall. Some houses may have a window in the corner.During seismic or high wind loads, the corner post may not have enoughlateral-load transfer capacity to absorb or transfer the pressure forceto other walls.

[0258] The corner clip 33 can be located on the top (near the roof), inthe middle, and bottom (near the floor), of a corner in order to tie theoutside sheathing of both walls together. This will stiffen the wallsand help them transfer and absorb lateral forces.

[0259]FIG. 11A shows the corner clip 33 at the bottom of a corner,securing the outside sheathing to the corner post and sill plate fromboth intersecting walls. If the corner clip 33 were attached to theupper part of a corner, it would tie the walls together and thesheathing to the underlying top plate and corner post.

[0260] The corner clip 33 has a right angle bend 32A along the tallestedge. This enables the corner clip 33 to wrap around a corner and befastened to the outside sheathing from both walls.

[0261] Along the slope 33A, the corner clip 33 is shaped like aplayground slide in order to shed water easily. This shape is alsoarchitecturally pleasing and adds strength to the clip. By beingL-shaped, the corner clip 33 has embossment holes 26 along the muffleedge 33B and nail holes 41 for attachment along the outside sheathingand to the underlying structural members. The corner clip 33 alsoprevents the outer sheathing from splitting and has more surface area toprevent the wall from racking.

FIG. 11B

[0262]FIG. 11B shows a flat-pattern lay out for a corner clip 33. Thecorner clip would preferably be formed from stamped sheet metal, but canbe formed from other materials and other methods.

FIG. 12A

[0263]FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of a gable connector 34, androof plate 36, as it would be installed on the outside of a wood framehouse. The gable connector 34 looks like an angle-iron member with aprime web 34A and rump web 34B, joined by a right-angle bend 32A.

[0264] The rump web 34B contains embossment holes 26 near the ends.Christmas tree bushings 6, spiral bushings 12, or lag bolts would beused to attach the rump web 34B to the outside sheathing of a gable endand the underlying rafter. The gable connector 34 is installed under theeaves, with the rump web 34B against the gable wall and the prime web34A against the bottom of the overhanging roof.

[0265] The prime web 34A has bolt slots 35 at either end that canaccommodate a carriage bolt 37A. The gable connector 34 is held againstthe gable wall and the bottom of the roof. Holes are marked on thebottom of the roof, in line with the bolt slots 35, and then drilledwith a common drill bit. The rump web 34B is attached to the gable wallwith Christmas tree bushings 6 and screws 9 or lag bolts.

FIG. 12B

[0266]FIG. 12B shows a flat pattern layout for a gable connector 34. Itcan be formed from different materials and using different methods, butthe preferred method is stamped sheet metal using standard tool and diemethods.

FIG. 12C

[0267]FIG. 12C shows a top view and a flat pattern layout of a roofplate 36. The roof plate 36 is mostly rectangular with square carriagebolt holes 37 the same distance apart as the bolt slots 35 on the primeweb 34A. From the top of the roof, as shown in FIG. 12A, carriage bolts37A are inserted through square carriage bolt holes 37 in the roof plate36, which is placed over the pre-drilled holes. The carriage bolts 37Ago through the roof plate 36, and rubber gasket 61, through the roofcladding, through the roof sheathing, into the bolt slots 35 of theprime web 34A on the gable connector 34 and screwed tight with nuts 37Bfrom below.

[0268] A standard rubber washer can be used around the carriage bolt 37Aon top of the roof, in order to prevent rain from entering the hole. Asshown on FIG. 12A, a rubber or neoprene pad 61 can be used under theroof plate 36 in order to make the connection water tight and absorbforces from seismic or strong winds.

[0269] The carriage bolt 37A and square carriage bolt hole 37 allows oneperson to install and lock the screw from the bottom of the roof,without anyone holding the carriage bolt 37A from the top of the roof.The bolt slot 35 has slight side play so that the hole drilled throughthe roof can be slightly off.

[0270] When the carriage bolt 37A is tightened using the nut 37B on theprime web 34A, the roof plate 36 is secured against the roof cladding.The underlying roof sheathing is now secured against the top of thegable end rafter. The roof plate can be covered with shingles or tar,but since it is outside the house proper, it can not leak to the insideof the house.

[0271] Underneath the roof, the outside sheathing of the gable end issecured to the underlying structural member, including the gable endrafter, by the rump web 34B.

[0272] Installing a gable connector 34 and roof plate 36 on the gableend of a house ties together the roof sheathing, gable end outsidesheathing, and gable end rafter. These connectors prevent the roof frombeing lifted up at the weak gable end, even if there is a long lookout.The connectors also help prevent the gable end wall from being separatedfrom the roof, a very weak attachment on existing houses, according topictures of damage from Hurricane Andrew. These connectors also helpkeep the roof sheathing attached to the roof at the gable end, which wasanother weak point during Hurricane Andrew.

[0273] The gable connector 34 and roof plate 36 can be made from manymaterials, but the preferred method is stamped sheet metal usingstandard tool and die methods.

FIG. 13

[0274] The tail part of a rafter, that hangs over the top plate, andextends beyond the wall is called the overhang. Sometimes, carpenterswill attach a thin board on the ends of the rafter as an architecturalmember to finish off the sawn ends of the rafter or the tail cut. Thiscut may not be exactly even on each rafter and may or may not be coveredby a thin facia board which provides little or no structural integrity.

[0275] For new construction, roof trusses are made in jigs at thefactory so the tail cuts should be equal and even. Many may have faciaboards attached to the tail cut, but the thin boards provide little orno structural integrity to the roof.

[0276]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a metal facia plate 38 tyingtogether two rafters. The length is approximately equal to the distancebetween standard construction methods of rafter placement (usually 16 or24 inches-on-center). The height of the metal facia plate 38 isapproximately equal to standard lumber measurements. The length andheight could be modified to be any combination of standard lumberdimensions or larger timber-frame construction, glue-lam, or plywoodI-beam dimensions.

[0277] The metal facia plate 38 is installed to the rafters by tabs 40that contain nail holes 41. The tabs 40 are bent approximately at rightangles bends 32A to the main slat 38A. The main slat 38A containsstrengthening ribs 39 that help resist bending and twisting. The rooftab 38B has screw holes 10, that can be used to attach the metal faciaplate 38 to the roof sheathing.

[0278] A metal facia plate 38 can be installed on a house as it is beingconstructed, and can be installed as a retrofit on existing houses. Themetal facia plate 38 ties the ends of the rafters securely together asone unit. It also helps prevent the rafter or roof truss from twistingor racking during installation, and prevents the rafter overhang frommoving during wind storms. If a rafter overhang twists or lifts, it cancause separation of the roof from the wall and separation of the roofsheathing from the roof.

FIG. 14A

[0279] Frieze boards are installed on a house to prevent theintroduction of insects and vermin into a house between the rafters,wall, and roof. Usually thin strips of boards are cut to size andtoe-nailed between each rafter. The board is thin, and provides littlestructural integrity to the roof or wall, because toenailing is a weakmeans of attachment.

[0280]FIG. 14A shows a metal frieze plate 42 installed on a wood housebetween two rafters at the junction of the wall. The length isapproximately equal to the distance between standard constructionmethods of rafter placement (usually 16 or 24 inches-on-center). Theheight of the metal frieze plate 42 is approximately equal to standardlumber measurements. The length and height could be modified to be anycombination of standard lumber dimensions or larger timber-frameconstruction, glue-lam, or plywood I-beam dimensions.

[0281] This makes measuring for rafter placement unnecessary after thefirst rafter is installed on a house because the metal frieze plate 42is standard construction dimensions and would make rafter placement veryaccurate on new construction. The metal frieze plate 42 has standardconstruction dimensions so that wooden frieze boards don't have to becut, sometimes inaccurately.

[0282] The metal frieze plate 42 has ventilation ribs 42B on the majorslat 42A. The ventilation ribs 42B add strength and provide ventilationto the attic or crawl space above the ceiling, by allowing airexchanges. In case of a hurricane, the ventilation ribs 42B allow thehigh pressure inside a house to equalize with low pressure air blowingalong the side wall of a house, as occurs in the Bernoulli Effects.

[0283]FIG. 14A shows the attachment of a metal frieze plate 42 to therafters by means of tabs 40, bent at right angle bends 32A. The tabs 40have nail holes 41 and embossment holes 26 to make the rafter attachmentvery secure. The bottom part (below dashed line) of the major slat 42A(above dashed line) contains an extension called a top plate tab 42C.The top plate tab 42C has nail holes 41 for attachment to the outsidesheathing and underlying top plate.

[0284] The rafters in this drawing are 2×6's, 16 inches-on center. Thedimensions of the metal frieze plate 42 would let the carpenterconstructing the house install the adjacent rafter board withoutmeasuring. Attachment of each metal frieze plate 42 would insure thateach rafter is exactly equal distance from the previous one.

[0285] A metal frieze plate 42 can be installed as a connector duringconstruction of a house, or can be installed as a retrofit on existinghouses. When a house is being constructed, a metal frieze plate 42 canbe used to accurately space the distance between rafters or rooftrusses. The metal frieze plate 42 can also be used anywhere along thevertical length of a rafter or truss, not just at the outside wall. Itcan also tie together the rafter, top plate, outside sheathing, and roofsheathing.

[0286] As a retrofit, houses built with soffit boards usually have nostructural connection between the rafter and outside sheathing. Theconnection between the rafter, top plate, and roof sheathing is weak dueto toe-nailing or staples.

[0287] The soffit is a non-structural covering between the wall andoverhang of the rafter. By removing the soffit, a metal frieze plate 42can be used to securely tie the rafter, top plate, outside sheathing,and roof sheathing together.

[0288] The metal frieze plate 42 performs more functions than prior arthurricane clips for new construction. It is stronger, it ties togethermore structural members, it speeds assembly of a house, and it can beinstalled on new construction or as a retrofit.

FIG. 14B

[0289]FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of a metal frieze plate 42 withthe tabs 40 bent forward at a right angle forming a right wing 44A andleft wing 44B. The tabs 40 can also be bent backwards at a right angleso that they will not be visible on new construction. The metal friezeplate 42 can also be used to space rafters near the roof beam, or tospace roof trusses near the roof peak. When metal frieze boards areinstalled near the roof peak, they provide great stability to therafters or roof trusses, and protect against racking or tipping of thetrusses.

[0290] If there is an attic that is going to be used for living space, ametal frieze plate 42 can provide stability to the rafters and provideventilation from the soffit area up to the roof peak and along a ridgevent, using cardboard or other nonflammable tubes or boards.

FIG. 14C

[0291]FIG. 14C shows a flat pattern layout for a frieze plate 42 priorto bending. Stamped sheet metal is the preferred method for making thisembodiment. The same tool and die can be used to make a metal faciaplate 38; the top plate tab 42C can be bent at a right angle to make abox-section with the right wing 44A, left wing 44B, and roof tab 38B.This can provide strength against twisting and can provide support for awood facia board to cover the metal facia plates 38.

FIG. 15A

[0292]FIG. 15A shows a ridge plate 46 installed between roof trusses.The ridge plate 46 contains rafter tabs 47 that are bent down atapproximately right angle bends 32A. A bend line 47B and cutouts 47Aallow the ridge plate 46 to be bent to fit any slope of roof. The ridgeplate 46 can be attached to the roof trusses during construction, or asa retrofit to existing buildings.

[0293] The roof trusses are very strong in compression, but are weak inside or lateral loads until the roof sheathing is applied. When a houseis being constructed there may be a long delay from when the trusses areinstalled until the roof sheathing is applied. Most roof sheathing isstill applied with staples, which are weak.

[0294] The ridge plate 46 has a preferred location at or near the ridgeof the roof. The length is standard construction distance betweenrafters. It can be installed right-side up or upside-down, as long asnails or screws can be driven through the rafter tabs 47 into therafters or top chords. Since the length of the ridge plate 46 isstandard, carpenters can install the truss quickly and safely, becausemost distance measurements between the rafters or trusses is eliminated.When the ridge plate 46 is fastened to the previous truss, there is lesschance of the truss being blown over on top of the carpenter or otherworkers.

[0295] When the ridge plate 46 is installed as a retrofit from below theroof, a roof plate 36 could be used to tie the roof sheathing securelyto the ridge plate 46. The ridge plate 46 can be installed below theridge line of a house and can be used with the other embodiments of thisinvention including a metal facia plate 38 and metal frieze plate 42.

FIG. 15B

[0296]FIG. 15B shows a flat-pattern layout for a ridge plate 46 showingthe bend line 47B, right-angle bend 32A, rafter tabs 47, cutouts 47A,and nail holes 41. The ridge plate 46 can be made from many materialsand by many methods, but the preferred method is stamped sheet metalusing standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 16A

[0297]FIG. 16A shows a truss support 48 installed on the top chord of aroof truss. The truss support 48 fits over the top chord of two trusses,tying them together tightly. To tie all the roof trusses together thetruss supports 48 would be staggered, with the next truss joined aboveor below the preceding one. Staggering the truss supports 48 allows themto be attached easily, and provides more strength.

[0298] The truss support consists of a long dimension of approximatelystandard construction width between trusses, plus the thickness or widthof two trusses. At either end of this length are two right-angle bends32A which form truss tabs 48A with nail holes 41. Along the approximatemiddle of the long dimension is a bend line 47B.

[0299] About the width of a truss member from the right-angle bend 32Ais a small punched-out opening 49A. The opening 49A is formed when asmall right-angle bend 32A is punched from above. The small right-anglebend 32A forms a truss brace 49 with a nail hole 41.

[0300] When constructing a building with roof trusses, the trusses arelifted into position and a truss support 48 is placed over two adjoiningtrusses. The inside dimension between the two truss braces 49 is thestandard distance between trusses as used throughout the constructionindustry. When the truss support 48 is placed over two roof trusses,they can be nailed or screwed from underneath. The distance betweentrusses will be very accurately spaced by the truss support 48.

[0301] Measuring the distance between trusses is now superfluous, plusthe safety is greatly increased as the trusses can not separate fromeach other. When the trusses are securely tied to each other by trusssupports 48, the roof is much stronger. Roof sheathing can be appliedover the truss supports 48 and nailed to the roof truss through theopening 49A. Truss supports 48 can be installed on the wall studs, andon either side of a roof, and along other roofing members includingrafters and roof joists. Roof plates 36 can secure the roof similar toFIG. 15A.

FIG. 16B

[0302]FIG. 16B shows a flat-pattern layout for a truss support 48showing the bend line 47B, large right-angle bend 32A, truss tabs 48A,cutouts 47A, small right-angle bends 32A, truss braces 49, openings 49A,and nail holes 41. The truss support 48 can be made from many materialsand by many methods, but the preferred method is stamped sheet metalusing standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 17A

[0303]FIG. 17A shows a front view of a different embodiment of a bananaclip 23. The banana clip 23 has a different arc and is of differentdimension than that in FIG. 10A. The teeth 30 are spaced differently andthe nailholes 41 are spaced differently.

FIG. 17B

[0304]FIG. 17B shows a back view of the banana clip 30 shown in FIG.17A. The teeth 30 are stamped to the back as is the zenith edge 29A.

FIG. 17C

[0305]FIG. 17C shows a top view of two rasp holes 50. The rasp hole 50helps prevent cross-grain bearing failure of wood. The rasp hole 50consists of a crown 50A and chisel wedge SOB. Rasp holes 50 can bestamped into metal during the forming process. The chisel wedge 50B,formed by the crown 50A, would dig into wood to prevent cross-grainfailure.

FIG. 17D

[0306]FIG. 17D shows the forming process for making rasp holes 50, crown50A, and chisel wedge 50B during the stamping of teeth 30 by tool anddie methods. The rasp hole 50 would work royal with a banana clip 23 orother connectors that hold down the outside sheathing.

[0307] Outside sheathing splits very easily, and rasp holes 50 may helpprevent this splitting.

FIG. 18A-H

[0308]FIG. 18A-H shows an improvement for the pipe that holds down aroof. Part of this invention is discussed in previous patent applicationSer. No. 08/191,852 on Feb. 2, 1994 by Thompson. The improvementdiscussed in this continuation-in-part is for heating hot water in thepipe by solar energy collection in a solar tube 54.

[0309]FIG. 18A shows a pipe 51 resting on an angle-iron member 52, andis covered with a glass cover tube 53 from FIG. 18B, and held down witha glass hold down 53A from FIG. 18C. The pipe 51 is still held fast tothe roof, at places in between the solar tubes 54, by a roof fastener,discussed in my previous patent application.

FIG. 18A

[0310]FIG. 18A shows a standard angle-iron member 52 which supports theone-piece heat absorbing black tubing pipe 51 and provides insulationand heat from a reflective coating. The dead air space between the glasscover tube 53 and pipe 51 also provides insulation. Insulation can beused to block the ends of the solar tubes 54.

FIG. 18B

[0311]FIG. 18B shows a glass cover tube 53. The glass cover tube 53 fitsover the angle iron member 52, after the angle iron member 52 is securedwith an angle iron hold down 52A to the solar tube 54. The glass covertube 53 is sealed to the angle iron hold down 52A by a gasket 36B.

FIG. 18C

[0312]FIG. 18C shows a glass hold down 53A that would secure the glasscover tube 53 to the angle iron member 52 and angle iron hold down 52A.A threaded bolt extends through bolt holes 54A on the solar tube 54,angle iron hold down 52A, and glass hold down 53A to hold them together.

FIG. 18D

[0313]FIG. 18D shows how the suns rays refract into the pipe 51according to Snell's Law. FIG. 18D shows how light beams from the sunwould refract when striking the glass cover tube 53 and be directed intothe focal point of the pipe 51. So no matter what the sun's angle, allthe sun's rays would concentrate at the focal point, which would be atthe pipe 51.

FIG. 18E

[0314]FIG. 18E shows a perspective view of a solar tube 54. The tube iscurved to hold the angle iron 52 and pipe 51. The solar tube has boltholes 54A spaced similar to the bolt holes 41 on a angle iron hold down52A and glass hold down 53A. The solar tube 54 has an eye slot 54B sothat the solar tube can pivot in any direction.

FIG. 18EA

[0315]FIG. 18EA shows a detailed cross-section of an eye slot 54B. Theeye slot 54B is punched down forming an eyeball shape. The cornea 54Cfits into the contact 54D of a tapered washer 54E. The eye slot 54B isshaped to accommodate a ball 54F.

FIG. 18F

[0316]FIG. 18F shows a perspective view of an angle iron hold down 52A.The angle iron shape of the angle iron hold down 52A is used to holddown the angle iron member 52 using bolts through the bolt holes 54A.

FIG. 18G

[0317]FIG. 18G shows a perspective view of a tapered washer 54E. Thecontact 54D can be seen in the top part of the tapered washer 54E.

FIG. 18GA

[0318]FIG. 18GA shows a cross-section through a tapered washer 54E.

FIG. 18H

[0319]FIG. 18H shows a side view of a ball 54F, washer 54G and nut 54H.The nut 54H, washer 54G, ball 54F, tapered washer 54E, threaded rod (notshown), and rafter hold down (not shown) are from my co-pendingapplication Ser. No. 08/191,852, filed on Feb. 2, 1994.

[0320] The threaded rod from the rafter hold down would be extended upthrough the roof. On top of the threaded rod would be, in the ordershown, tapered washer 54E, solar tube 54, ball 54F, washer, 45G, and nut54H. As in my pending application, the tapered washer 54E and ball 54Gallow the solar tube 54 to pivot and adapt to any slope roof. Thetapered washer 54E and ball 54G also allow the solar tube 54 to fit asloped roof and capable to pivot to get maximum solar gain.

[0321] The pipe 51 can be made from metal and painted black to helpabsorb more heat energy. The angle-iron member 52 can be made from manymaterials, especially materials that provide some insulation, or can beof metal. The glass cover tube 53 can be a normal glass tube that is cutin half lengthwise and given a flare and gasket as shown in FIG. 18B.

[0322] The solar tube 54 would hold down roofs and provide hot water toa home for free. Getting two uses from one product is a vast improvementover prior art. Most, if not all of the embodiments in this inventioncan be stamped from a single sheet of metal without any welding. Thishelps make the products affordable to everyone who wants to improvetheir home.

FIG. 19A

[0323]FIG. 19A shows a flat-pattern layout for a roof anchor 55, for useon holding together a plank-and-beam constructed house. The roof anchor55 consists of two pieces, in order to fit on houses with any roofslope. The beam member 55A is attached to the ridge beam of a house, andthe roof member 55B is attached to the underside of the roof sheathing.

[0324] The beam member 55A consists of large curved plate 57, with nailholes 41 for attachment onto the outside sheathing and underlying postand rafter. On the curved end of the curved plate 57 is a large radiusof serrations 57A that are shaped like notches or saw-like teeth. Thecenter point of the radius for the serrations 57A is at the bolt hole57B.

[0325] A cut line 56A on the straight edge allows the ridge tab 56B tobe bent out, at a right angle, along the right-angle bend 32A line. Theridge tab has nail holes 41 for attachment to the ridge beam that sticksout from the house. On houses without a ridge beam the ridge tab 56Bwould not be bent.

[0326] The roof member 55B consists of a flat plate 57C with nail holes41 and similar serrations 57A as on the beam member 55A. The centerpoint of the radius for the serrations 57A is at the lip hole 57D andthe length of the radius is similar to the length of the radius on thebeam member 55A. The diameter of the lip hole 57D is slightly smallerthan the bolt hole 57B on the beam member 55A. The lip hole 57D isstamped with a slight lip to the rear of the flat plate 57C. The lip onthe lip hole 57D is of such dimension that it just fits into the bolthole 57B of the beam member.

[0327] When the roof member 55B is placed on top of the beam member 55A,and the lip hole 57D is on top of the bolt hole 57B, the lip of the liphole 57D will fit into the bolt hole 57B. The lip hole 57D and bolt hole57B will now form a pivot hole. The roof member 55B could rotate on anarc from this pivot hole, except for the serrations 57A. The serrations57A of the roof member 55B and the beam member 55A now line up and meshtogether preventing movement along the arc.

[0328] The top part of the roof member 55B has a right-angle bend 32A,that is bent toward the viewer at a right angle, that forms a roof tab58. The roof tab 58 has bolt slots 35 that are equal in size andplacement to bolt slots on a gable connector 34.

FIG. 19B

[0329]FIG. 19B shows a front view of a roof anchor 55. The roof member55B and the beam member 55A are linked together at the pivot point ofthe bolt hole 57B and lip hole 57D. The ridge tab 56B is placed againsta ridge beam on the outside of a house and slid upwards until the rooftab 58 is flush against the underside of a house roof.

[0330] In order to adjust the roof tab 58 to any roof slope, the roofmember 55B is lifted slightly so that its serrations 57A are notinterlocked with the serrations 57A of the beam member. Then the roofmember 55B is rotated around the pivot point until the roof tab 58 isflush against the underside of a roof. Then the entire roof anchor 55can be tightly fastened to the house.

[0331] Nails, screws, and bolts can be used to fasten the roof anchor 55to a house. The preferred order of attachment is: first the ridge tab56B is fastened to the ridge beam, then the beam member 55A is fastenedto the outside sheathing and underlying rafter and post, then the roofmember 55B is fastened to the beam member 55A and underlying rafter.

[0332] When a roof anchor 55 is connected under a roof, holes can bedrilled up through the roof and a roof plate 36 can be attached from theroof using carriage bolts 37A and nuts 37B into the bolt slots 35 on theroof tab 58. This will tie the outside sheathing, ridge beam, rafter,post, roof sheathing, and roofing material together, and prevents thegable end from being blown out by a hurricane.

FIG. 19C

[0333]FIG. 19C shows a front view of a two-piece roof anchor 55 withoutserrations 57A. This roof anchor 55 operates the same as in FIG. 19B,but there are no serrations 57A. Nails or screws would keep the roofanchor 55 to the gable sheathing.

FIG. 19D

[0334]FIG. 19D shows a perspective view of a one-piece roof anchor 55attached to the gable end sheathing at 55A, by a bushing 6 and screw 9,to the projecting beam at 56B, and to the roof by a roof plate 36. Theroof anchor can be formed from a single piece of sheet metal with theroof tab 58 stamped at any angle.

[0335] The roof anchor 55 can be made from many materials, but thepreferred method is stamped sheet metal using standard tool and diemethods. The roof anchors 55 in FIGS. 19A and 19C are for the left sideof a ridge beam, where the ridge beam or longitudinal beam sticks outfrom the gable end of a house. A right side roof anchor 55, as in FIG.19D, would be a mirror image of this one.

FIG. 20A

[0336]FIG. 20A shows a flat-pattern layout for a gable span 59, roofplate 36, and roof overlay 36A. The gable span 59 has an inner radius59A on the curve 59B that allows it to clear molding, trim. wires, cableor other material that would prevent other connectors, such as a gableconnector 34, from having a close fit to the edge of a gable and roof.The gable span 59 also contains two roof links 60A, a gable link 60B,and two curves 59B. There are four right angle bends 32A lines on thelayout that forms each member on the gable span 59.

[0337] The roof links 60A have bolt slots 35, that are similar to boltslots 35 on a gable connector 34. The curve 59B forms and inner radius59A and an outer radius 59C. The gable link 60B has nail holes 41 forattachment to the outside sheathing and underlying structural membersincluding the rafter and top chord.

FIG. 20B

[0338]FIG. 20B shows the gable span 59 as it would be attached to ahouse, or tying together other structural members that have aninterfering member that prevents a standard connector from being snugnext to both members. FIG. 20B shows how the right-angle bends 32A forma mostly closed loop of curves 59B, roof links 60A, and a gable link60B.

[0339] The gable span 59 would be placed against a gable end andunderside of a roof. The inner radius 59A would clear obstructing wires,trim, molding, and cables. The outer radius 59C would be pleasingarchitecturally, and could be filled in with filler material such aswood or plastic.

[0340] When a gable span 59 is connected under a roof, holes can bedrilled up through the roof and a roof plate 36, from FIG. 12C, can beattached from the roof using carriage bolts 37A and nuts 37B. This willtie the outside sheathing, rafter or top chord, roof sheathing, androofing material together.

FIG. 20C

[0341]FIG. 20C shows a gable span 59 with the roof links 60A bentoutward at right angle bends 32A. The inner radius 59A still clearsobstructions, and the gable link 60B has nail holes for attachment tothe gable wall. With the roof links 60A bent outward, a roof plate 36,from FIG. 12C, can be used on top of the roof as the bolt slots 35 willline up as shown in FIG. 20C.

[0342] The gable span can be made from many materials, but the preferredmethod is stamped sheet metal using standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 21A

[0343]FIG. 21A shows a ridge plate 46 and how it can be split in halfalong bend line 47B. On the ridge plate 46 and on the truss support 48,the bend line 47B is bent to fit specific pitches of roofs. On the ridgeplate, the bend line 47B could also be cut through to make twoapproximate halves, which could be installed to the rafters, on eitherside of the ridge beam. The bend line 47B does not have to be bent atall but could be one solid piece. This would allow the ridge plate 46 tobe installed on one side of the ridge beam. The ridge plate could alsofit upside-down underneath the ridge beam, tying the rafters from eitherside of the house together as one unit.

[0344] The truss support 48, shown in FIG. 21A, is for use on trusseswhich have no ridge beam. The bend line 47B does not have to be pre-bentand can remain straight to fit on one side of the ridge. The bend line47B could also be cut through to make two separate halves, which couldbe installed to the top chords, on either side of the ridge. To providethe most support, the preferred location for the truss support 48 andridge plate 46 is at the ridge.

FIG. 21B

[0345]FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a latch mechanism 61 on aridge plate 46 that can permit the bend lines 47B to pivot and fitridges on roofs of any pitch. The bend lines 47B are detached to formtwo approximate halves; the side with the latch holes is bent down atapproximately a right angle bend 32A.

[0346] The latch mechanism 61 consists of latch tabs 61A on one side,and latch holes 61B on the other side of the bend line 47B. The latchtabs 61A fit into the latch holes 61B at an obtuse angle, then when thetwo halves of the truss support 48 or ridge plate 46 are set to a roofangle, they are locked together. The latch mechanism 61 is strong, canswivel to work on any roof, and can fit on or under roofs of any pitch.

FIG. 21C

[0347]FIG. 21C shows a flat pattern layout of a latch mechanism 61 priorto bending. The latch tabs 61A, along a bend line 47B, are shown as theywould be fit into the latch holes 61B at an obtuse angle. FIG. 21C showsthat once the two halves are straightened out, they form a latchmechanism 61, which is a strong, simple-to-make, hinge, with pivotsupport along the entire edge. The latch mechanism can be stamped fromsheet metal, using tool and dies.

FIG. 21D

[0348]FIG. 21D shows a perspective view, from the underside, of twohalves of a ridge plate 46 linked together at the bend line 47B withlatch tabs 61A locked into latch holes 61B.

FIG. 21E

[0349]FIG. 21E shows a side view of the latch tabs 61A prior to lockingusing different embodiments of flat (bottom) and curved (top) latchholes 61B.

FIG. 21F

[0350]FIG. 21F shows a side view of the latch tabs 61A at an obtuseangle prior to latching, using different embodiments of flat (bottom)and curved (top) latch holes 61B.

FIG. 21G

[0351]FIG. 21G shows a side view of the latch tabs 61A in the latchedposition, using different embodiments of flat (bottom) and curved (top)latch holes 61B. The ridge plate 46 can now be set on any slope ridgeline.

FIG. 22

[0352]FIG. 22 shows a flat layout for a center gable plate 62 with nailholes 41, and eave plates 62A with bolt slots 35, and bend line 32A.

FIG. 22A

[0353]FIG. 22A shows a front view of a center gable plate 62 attached tothe top center gable end of a house. It is shown holding the outsidesheathing to the underlying rafter, ridge beam, and ridge posts, usingnails or screws in nail holes 41. The eave plates 62A are holding theroof down, connected to a roof plate 36, on top of the roof.

FIG. 23

[0354]FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a seismic clip 1, cornerseismic clip 1A, metal facia plate 38, and hook 38A installed on ahouse.

FIG. 23A

[0355]FIG. 23 shows the preferred location on a house for attachment ofa tomahawk connector 25, tee connector 22, banana clip 23, corner clip33, gable connector 34, roof plate 36, metal facia plate 38, metalfrieze plate 42, truss support 48, roof anchor 55, ridge plate 46, andcenter gable plate 62.

FIG. 23B

[0356]FIG. 23A shows several more preferred locations for a roof anchor55.

[0357] Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope of Invention

[0358] Thus the reader can see that the hurricane and seismic connectorsand fasteners of this invention are unique, strong, permanent,functional, and necessary. They are also simple and economical to make,requiring simple tool and dies and no welding.

[0359] This invention solves the problem of retrofitting houses tominimize high wind and seismic dangers by using these ingenious andpractical connectors and fasteners. Many homeowners stay in their houseduring hurricanes, because they do not want to be caught in traffic jamstrying to escape the fury, or they are caught unaware.

[0360] While my above description contains many specificities, theseshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof.Many other variations are possible.

[0361] For example, since the connectors are on the outside of abuilding, the shape can be changed slightly to make them morearchitecturally appealing on certain types of houses. To fit on somearchitectural styles of houses, the shape can be changed slightlywithout comprising the structural integrity of the clip. The thicknessof the connector can be altered slightly, or have beveled edges orchamfer.

[0362] Rubber, plastic, foam, or resilient pad could be inserted betweenthe connector and the outside sheathing. This would help absorb theearthquake forces without cracking, and deaden the shocks, andafter-shocks.

[0363] The bushings could have a rubber washer or O-ring at the bearingsurface in order to make the connection water-proof. This may allow thebushing to hold roof sheathing to the rafter, without letting water intothe house. The bushings could use this rubber to reduce loading anddeaden shocks from a seismic event.

[0364] The bushings could have plastic or PTFE between the bearingsurfaces in order to have less friction between the bushing and theconnector. This would allow the connection to be very tight, but stillable to move slightly. Lag bolts with washers may be readably available,and could be used to fasten the connectors to a house.

[0365] To fit on an infinite variety of houses, the connectors could bemade of two or more pieces. The pieces could be held together by nutsand bolts in slotted holes, so that the connector could be adjusted togo around ornamental or structural members on the outside of a house.

[0366] The invention could use different manufacturing techniquesincluding manipulated sheet metal, casting, forging, extrusion, andplastic molds or injection. There can also be minor variations in color,size, and materials.

[0367] This invention was over-designed in order to exceed buildingcodes in force or any that can be anticipated. Certain elements could bedeleted from some embodiments, such as the screw in the Christmas treebushing, but that would make them less effective in preventing damage toa home.

[0368] The embossments holes could be left out of several embodiments,but embossments make the holes stronger, less resistive to deflection,and more resistant to cracking. Lag bolts, nails, screws, or bolts andwashers could be used to fasten the connectors to the house, if bushingsare not available.

[0369] One die can be used to cut out FIG. 20A, and with the addition ofpunches can be used for four different configurations. FIG. 19B and 19Ccan use one die for both pieces and can be used for every ridge beam andheader by varying angles. Thus saving substantially on dies, storage,and less inventory. The bushing is designed with most holding done bybottom web where upload is greatest and doesn't damage as much of thewall sheathing. Rafter tabs are offset to prevent nail splitting. muchmore force than the tensional force or pulling apart of 2×4's that arenailed together from the top. By attaching the outside wall sheathing16, wall stud 18A, and top plate 14 to the rafter 13, additionalstrength is gained.

[0370]FIG. 15 also shows how the web member 6 of tie “B” is able toclear an angled or warped frieze board and utility wires on the bottomof the frieze board. The inner offset 6A clears the bottom part of thefrieze board 15 and any utility wires. The angled side edge 11 clearsthe main part of the angled or warped frieze board.

[0371] Refer now to FIG. 16A which shows a front view of right-handedtie “B” installed on an existing building. The base member 1 is attachedto the outside wall 16 and the top plate is hidden behind the basemember. The web member 6 clears the frieze board 15 and attaches to arafter 13. In FIG. 16A, the front of the building is to the right so theties are less obtrusive from the front. If there are unforeseenobstructions, such as electric lines, electric lights, alarms, etc., inthe way a left-handed tie may clear it as shown in FIG. 16B. If aright-handed tie is placed on the right side of a rafter, or aleft-handed tie is placed on the left side of a rafter, the base memberof the tie will be attached into the wall stud 18A under the rafter,which could be hidden by trim.

[0372]FIG. 16C shows the added strength of attaching a left- andright-handed tie to a rafter 13. Two ties could be added to the raftersfor added strength or symmetry.

[0373] Refer now to FIG. 17 which shows a preferred embodiment of how aleft- and right-handed tie “B” are formed from a blank by cutting alongthe outside edges. The generally right-angled bend is made by bending up90 degrees along the axis 5. This forms a right- and left-handed tie,which are mirror images of each other.

[0374] The main disadvantage of prior hurricane ties is that they cannotbe used on the outside of existing buildings without demolition ordestruction of existing wood or utility wires.

[0375] Claims for Divisional of the Corner Clip (FIGS. 11a and 11b) onapplication Ser. No. 09/131,871.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for securing sheathing and structural membersof a building comprising: a. a unitary body having a first web, anattached right angle bend, and an attached second web having amirror-image shape of said first web; b. said first web and said secondweb having a generally triangular shape; c. said first web and saidsecond web having a generally flat horizontal bottom; d. said rightangled bend forming a congruent side of said first web and said secondweb; e. said right angled bend having a generally vertical axis; f. saidfirst web and said second web having hypotenuses with s-shaped edges. 2.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said s-shaped edges having apredetermined thickness and a predetermined slope as a means forshedding moisture, when mounted on the outside of a building.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said first web and said second web having apredetermined area as a means for placement against a corner of abuilding.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first web and saidsecond web having a plurality of nail holes as a means for attachment tosheathing and underlying structural members.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said vertical right angle and said horizontal bottoms areperpendicular as a means of having straight edges of said apparatusoverlying hidden, intersecting structural members.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said first web and said second web having a plurality ofpredetermined nail holes and a predetermined area as a means ofpreventing splitting of wood sheathing and separation from underlyingstructural members during wind storms and seismic events.
 7. Anapparatus having a first web, a second web, and a congruent right angledbend, and having attaching means for placement on a corner of abuilding, for securing sheathing and underlying, intersecting structuralmembers together, as a means for preventing damage to a building duringwind storms and seismic events.